Booze, BOOs, and Blues

Louisville, Kentucky. We just enjoyed a fantastic trip to Louisville. You will read the name Louisville multiple times in this article, so let me layout the proper pronunciation so that you don’t make a mess of it in your brain, or if you happen to be reading aloud. Louisville should be pronounced “Loo-a- vul” with the voice skimming over the -a-, so that it almost sounds like a lost syllable. At least, according to my experts. Not “Loo-ee-ville”. And, certainly not “Loo-iss-ville”. Go ahead and practice, say it right. Ok, got it?

We had such a nice time in Louisville, I wanted to put it on your radar, so you might consider checking the city out. Spring is a time when things are rocking in Louisville, because the Kentucky Derby horse race is always held at Churchill Downs in May.  But, there is much to do any time of year, and this October was no exception.

My husband spent his childhood in Louisville so he knows much more about it than I do. Some of the family still lives there, and that was the reason we made the trip a few weeks ago. Rob’s family always gathers in Louisville in October for a special event. We were late to the party, because for years we were not able to travel that far due to our kids' school and sports and extra-curricular activities. But, we eventually broke free from those tethers so that we could join the group and enjoy the celebration.

One side excursion on our trip was a quick run across the river to Indiana, which is a state that I needed as I neared my goal of visiting all 50 states. We had a very nice afternoon along the Ohio River, walking the Big Four Bridge, and exploring the town of Jeffersonville. (Only 10 states left to visit!)

This year, Rob & I decided to branch out and stay at a Bed & Breakfast in the historic area called Old Louisville. It was an outstanding decision. The Louisville Bourbon Inn. We were blown away by everything about our lodgings. Here are some pictures of the regal Victorian mansion. It was decorated to the nines for Halloween.

And, inside, while elegant, it was actually very chic and cozy....

Our breakfasts were absolutely scrumptious—we couldn’t wait to sit down at the table in the morning. You could tell that the food was made with love. Our hosts, Jeff and Allen were gracious, attentive, and very accommodating. They went the extra mile to make our visit comfortable, even filling a special request for us. I asked if it was possible to get a charcuterie board one afternoon, and Allen went deep into thought wondering if he had any items sitting around that he could pull together. I told him, “No expectations, any kind of snack will do.” At my house, that would be a handful of nuts, a block of cheese, and plain Ritz crackers. Within 20 minutes, he produced a stunning board of delicious delicacies, including fresh-out-of-the-oven Caramel Apple cookies. Why didn’t I take a picture of the amazing charcuterie board? Because I was too busy stuffing my face with all the yummy snacks. We enjoyed our stay at the Louisville Bourbon Inn immensely. Hospitality abounded. At the end of our visit, we were hugging it out with Jeff and Allen, vowing that we would definitely return.

Our trip to Louisville was centered around our family gathering for the Garvin Gate Blues Festival. Our brother-in-law and his friend organize and run the festival every October.  They both work incredibly hard to pull all the musicians together, get the stages set, secure the sponsors, advertise, and tend to every other little detail. We all have a great weekend listening to local, regional and national blues talent who come to play for the festival.  The free festival attracts people from all walks of life, and everyone has a very good time. We especially enjoy being part of the VIP crowd, which gives us access behind the stage where we can mingle with the band members, partake of the Trunk Bar, and enjoy an immersive experience. We also have an invitation to the Bourbon Tasting room. Look, I don’t even drink bourbon. But, I do dig the vibe as I watch others sip bourbon on a cool Fall day. It is super chill, very Old World.

_BOO!

Our weekend in Louisville was heavy in the Blues. I think it was 15 bands that took the stage. And the music was especially good. High quality and full of passion. The performers and the audience connected through the harmonies and rhythms. It was a head-nodding, foot-tapping good time.

October was a wonderful time to visit Louisville Kentucky. Temperatures were perfect and leaves were transitioning into fall colors. But, I think you couldn’t go wrong any time of year. There’s always a Bourbon Trail tour to take, or a performing arts event to attend, or a horse race to watch, or a river to explore. So, I recommend adding Louisville to your list of travel destinations. And, give Jeff and Allen at the Louisville Bourbon Inn a call. I bet they’ve got room for you!